Oily Spark Plugs, Not Good.

[bigred15]

So I started to change the plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor today because the 86 GT seemed down on power. The first two spark plugs I pulled (front of car first) on each side were OK, but the next two had oil on them. Any ideas what this means?

[ashley roachclip]

oil where on the plugs ?
Is the oil on the center electrode ?
pictures would be easier to diagnose your problem.

[Ackman70]

How many miles on the motor? Oil is either getting past the valve seals or piston rings. Either way not good.

[embler]

I'd say valve stem seals more than likely. not very exspensive and somewhat easy to replace

[bigred15]

The oil is right below and on the threads, it does not appear to be on the electrode itself. The car has 71,xxx miles on it. It sat for 10 years. I have put about 1500 miles on it since I bought it in December. These are the best pics that I have.

[mikejb]

From what I see your valve cover gaskets need replaced. Oil is leaking down onto the plugs.

[JACook]

Not necessarily. Oil on the threads, and around the seat, is pretty common, and often just
means the plugs were not properly torqued. If the tapered seat is not clean and smooth,
oil will migrate out past the plug threads. Or it's coming down from the valve covers.

I see nothing on these plugs that would indicate any kind of oil consumption problem.

[Ackman70]

OK, big difference. Most likely valve cover gaskets.

[bigred15]

OK, so its doesn't look like a major problem. One thing that I forgot to mention is that some of the plugs I didn't even need a wrench to take off. JACook reminded me of that. I will probably replace the valve cover gaskets just to be safe. Maybe I'll even buy some aftermarket valve covers while I'm at it. Thanks for the help.

[droopie85gt]

OK, so its doesn't look like a major problem. One thing that I forgot to mention is that some of the plugs I didn't even need a wrench to take off. JACook reminded me of that. I will probably replace the valve cover gaskets just to be safe. Maybe I'll even buy some aftermarket valve covers while I'm at it. Thanks for the help.

Get the one piece, reusable gaskets with the steel core. I know Ford Racing makes them and others I am sure. They are on the Ford Racing site and in the Summitt Catalog.

[purple pony]

Try just tightning down the valve cover bolts. When I got my car the valve covers were covered with oil. I cleaned the covers and tightened them down, most were only finger tight, if that. A year and a half later they are still nice and clean.